Apparatus for exercising a person&#39;s legs

ABSTRACT

Apparatus ( 2 ) for exercising a person&#39;s legs ( 6 ), which apparatus ( 2 ) comprises:
         (i) a platform ( 8 ) on which the person ( 4 );   (ii) a bar ( 10 ) for extending across the person&#39;s upper body ( 12 );   (iii) at least one length of stretchable material ( 14 ) which in use extends upwardly from the platform ( 8 );   (iv) first and second lengths of non-stretchable material ( 16 ) which in use extend downwardly from the bar ( 10 );   (v) first connecting means ( 18 ) for connecting the length of stretchable material ( 14 ) to the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material ( 16 ); and   (vi) first and second length-adjusting means ( 20 ) for respectively adjusting the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material ( 16 ), and wherein there are first and second roller formations ( 44 ) on an underside of the platform ( 8 ) and adjacent the first and second apertures ( 34 ).

This invention relates to exercise apparatus and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for exercising a person's legs.

There are many different types of known apparatus for exercising a person's legs. A first known type of apparatus is free standing in the form of a bar, stands for each end of the bar, and loose weights for placing on the bar. A second type of known apparatus is in the form of a floor mounted machine. Both of these first and second types of apparatus are usually best suited for use in a gym. If they are used in a home, they tend to be too bulky and/or too heavy for easy storage when not in use. A third type of known apparatus attempts to meet these problems of the apparatus being too bulky and/or too heavy for easy storage when not in use. However this third type of known apparatus does not function effectively and/or is of complicated manufacture.

It is an aim of the present invention to avoid or reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for exercising a person's legs, which apparatus comprises:

-   -   (i) a platform on which the person stands in use of the         apparatus;     -   (ii) a bar for extending across the person's upper body such         that the person is able to exercise their legs by performing a         leg exercise;     -   (iii) at least one length of stretchable material which in use         extends upwardly from the platform;     -   (iv) first and second lengths of non-stretchable material which         in use extend downwardly from the bar;     -   (v) first connecting means for connecting the length of         stretchable material to the first and second lengths of         non-stretchable material; and     -   (vi) first and second length-adjusting means for respectively         adjusting the first and second lengths of non-stretchable         material such that the length of stretchable material gives a         desired resistance when the person is performing the leg         exercise and is moving from a first position to a second         position, with the second position being higher than the first         position,         and wherein:     -   (vii) the length of stretchable material has first and second         end portions and a central portion between the first and second         end portions;     -   (viii) the platform comprises at least one first aperture for         the first end portion of the length of stretchable material, and         at least one second aperture for the second end portion of the         length of stretchable material;     -   (ix) there is a first roller formation which is on an underside         of the platform and which is adjacent the first aperture for         facilitating movement of the length of stretchable material         relative to the platform;     -   (x) there is a second roller formation which is on the underside         of the platform and which is adjacent the second aperture for         facilitating movement of the length of stretchable material         relative to the platform;     -   (xi) in use the central portion of the length of stretchable         material passes underneath the platform, the first and second         end portions of the length of stretchable material respectively         extend upwardly through the first and second apertures in the         platform and away from the platform, and the person is         positioned over the central portion and between the first and         second end portions of the length of stretchable material;     -   (xii) the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material         are spaced apart such that in use the person is positioned         between the first and second lengths of non-stretchable         material;     -   (xiii) the bar comprises first position-securing means for the         first length of non-stretchable material;     -   (xiv) the bar comprises second position-securing means for the         second length of non-stretchable material; and     -   (xv) in use the first and second position-securing means         respectively secure the first and second lengths of         non-stretchable material to the bar such that from a front view:         -   (a) the first position-securing means is vertically above             the first aperture in the platform, whereby the first length             of non-stretchable material and the first end portion of the             length of stretchable material extend in a straight vertical             line between the first aperture in the platform and the             first position-securing means; and         -   (b) the second position-securing means is vertically above             the second aperture in the platform, whereby the second             length of the non-stretchable material and the second end             portion of the length of stretchable material extend in a             straight vertical line between the second aperture in the             platform and the second position-securing means.

The apparatus of the present invention is ideally suited for home use. More specifically, the apparatus is easy to use. Also, the apparatus is able to be produced to be much lighter than known apparatus, and this facilitates storage and movement of the apparatus in the home. Furthermore, the light weight of the apparatus facilitates the sale of the apparatus by mail order. The first and second lengths of non-stretchable material are able to be adjusted in length by the first and second length adjusting means. This enables a person using the apparatus to be in the first position, for example in a squat position, with zero resistance from the length of stretchable material. This in turn enables the person to position the bar comfortably across their upper body prior to moving from the first position to the second position and thereby encountering the desired resistance from the length of stretchable material.

Advantageously, the desired resistance from the length of stretchable material is equally transferred to the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material extending downwardly from the bar. This equal apportionment of the resistance from the length of stretchable material to the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material remains constant even if the length of stretchable material stretches with use and thus provides a varying resistance. If a first length of stretchable material were to be provided for the first length of non-stretchable material, and a second and separate length of stretchable material were to be provided for the second length of non-stretchable material, then any wear occurring on the two lengths of stretchable material could be unequal. This could provide different resistances through the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material to the bar, where the different resistances would be felt by the person using the apparatus and which could adversely affect their concentration or other use of the apparatus.

Also advantageously, if a person is in the first position, for example in a squat position, and the person is unable to move to the second position, for example an erect position, the person is easily able to hold the bar in their hands and move out from underneath the bar. This is because, in the first position, the length of the stretchable material is at its weakest strength. This provides a safety feature for the person, and compares favourably with many known types of apparatus where there is maximum load at the first position, making it difficult to move out from underneath the bar and/or requiring one or two extra persons in attendance for the purpose of helping to lift the bar if the person performing the exercise cannot rise from the first position.

The apparatus may be one in which the first and second position-securing means are loop formations which are connected to the bar, and in which the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material are configured to pass respectively through the first and second position-securing means. Alternatively, if desired, the first and second lengths of the non-stretchable material may be provided with fastener means, for example clips to fasten to the first and second position-securing means.

The apparatus may be one in which there is a plurality of the lengths of stretchable material, in which there is a plurality of the first apertures in the platform, in which there is a plurality of the second apertures in the platform, and in which there is at least one of the lengths of stretchable material for extending through opposite pairs of the first and second apertures in the platform. Increasing the number of lengths of stretchable material employed increases the resistance felt by the person when performing the leg exercise. For example, the apparatus may be one in which there are three of the first apertures in the platform, and three of the second apertures in the platform. Two or more than three of the first apertures and two or more than three of the second apertures may be employed if desired. Each aperture may be of such a size that it is able to receive the relevant parts of two or more, for example three, of the lengths of stretchable material.

The apparatus may be one in which the bar is a solid bar of circular cross section, or it may be one in which the bar is a hollow tube of circular cross section. The bar will usually be a straight bar but it may be of a non-straight configuration if desired. The bar may be made of a metal or a plastics material. The plastics material may be, for example, polypropylene.

The apparatus may be one in which the first connecting means comprises a clip connecting means. The clip connecting means may be a quick release clip connecting means having an openable portion which is biased to a closed position. Other types of first connecting means may be employed.

The apparatus may be one in which the length of the stretchable material has the clip connecting means, and in which the length of the non-stretchable material has ring members which receive the clip connecting means. Other configurations may be employed so that, for example, the reverse arrangement may be employed in which the clip connecting means is on the length of the non-stretchable material, and the ring members are on the length of the stretchable material. Connecting members other than ring members may be employed.

The length-adjusting means may be a clamp device through which the length of non-stretchable material passes. The clamp device may employ a clamping cam. The clamping cam may be part of a clamping lever. The length adjusting means may be the type of device which is employed for seatbelts in cars and aircraft. Any suitable and appropriate type of length-adjusting means may be employed.

The length of non-stretchable material may be a strap. The strap will typically be of a thin flat construction. The length of the non-stretchable material may alternatively be in the form of a cord or a cable.

The length of stretchable material may be a length of an elastic material. The length of stretchable material, for example the length of the elastic material, may be rectangular in cross section. Alternatively, the length of the stretchable material may be a tube. The tube may be solid or rigid. Typically, the tube will be of a circular cross section.

Advantageously, the apparatus is such that the platform, the bar, the length of the stretchable material, and the length of the non-stretchable material are separable from each other. This facilitates selling of the apparatus by mail order. It also facilitates storage of the apparatus at home. Alternatively, one or more of the component parts of the apparatus may be permanently secured together.

The platform member may be of any suitable and appropriate construction. The platform member may thus be made of a plastics material which enables the platform member to be light for ease of handling. When the platform member is made of a plastics material, then the platform member may be moulded to the required shape. The underneath of the platform member may be provided with strengthening ribs.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageously such that it enables the person to do various leg exercises. The main leg exercise would be a back squat, with the bar extending across the person's shoulders. If desired however the person may conduct a leg exercise in the form of a front squat with the bar extending across the person's upper chest. For leg exercises in the form of back squats or front squats, the desired resistance from the length of the stretchable material will usually be obtained by adjusting the length of the non-stretchable material with the person in the squat position. If an alternative leg exercise were to be required, for example calf raises for exercising the person's calves, then the resistance required of the length of the stretchable material would typically be that required for a rear squat or a front squat when the person is in an upright position.

Embodiments of invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows apparatus of the present invention in use and with a person being in a squat position;

FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 but with the person being in an erect condition;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing part of the apparatus and part of the person in the position shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a platform member forming part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the platform shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the platform shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 4 but shows a first alternative platform;

FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 4 but shows a second alternative platform;

FIG. 9 shows a bar forming part of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 shows a position-securing means separated from the bar shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a length of non-stretchable material passing through the position-securing means on the bar;

FIG. 12 shows how the length of non-stretchable material may be a strap which is rolled up when separate from the rest of the apparatus and when not in use;

FIG. 13 shows how the strap may be uncoiled from the position shown in FIG. 12 to a use position;

FIG. 14 shows a ring forming part of first connecting means for connecting a length of stretchable material to a length of non-stretchable material;

FIG. 15 is a top view of length-adjusting means in the form of a cam buckle;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the length-adjusting means shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view from the top and one side of the length-adjusting means shown in FIG. 15 and in an open position;

FIG. 18 is a view like FIG. 17 but with the length-adjusting means in a closed position;

FIG. 19 shows a length of stretchable material; and

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of one end portion of the length of stretchable material shown in FIG. 19.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown apparatus 2 for use by a person 4 for exercising their legs 6. The apparatus 2 comprises a platform 8 on which the person 4 stands in use of the apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 also comprises a bar 10 for extending across the person's upper body 12 such that the person 4 is able to exercise their legs 6 by performing a leg exercise.

The apparatus 2 comprises at least one length of stretchable material 14 which in use extends upwardly from the platform 8. The apparatus 2 also comprises first and second lengths of non-stretchable material 16 which in use extend downwardly from the bar 10. First connecting means 18 is provided for connecting the length of stretchable material 14 to the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material 16.

The apparatus 2 further comprises first and second length-adjusting means 20 for respectively adjusting the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material 16 such the length of stretchable material 14 gives a desired resistance when the person 4 is performing the leg exercise and is moving from a first position as shown in FIG. 1 to a second position as shown in FIG. 2. As can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, the second position is higher than the first position.

The apparatus 2 is such that there is one length of the stretchable material 14. The length of the stretchable material 14 has a first end portion 22, a second end portion 24, and a central portion 26 which is between the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24. The central portion 26 passes underneath the platform 8. In use, the first and second end portions 22, 24 extend upwardly away from the platform 8. In use, the person 4 is positioned over the central portion 26 and between the first and second end portions 22, 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two lengths of non-stretchable material 16 are spaced apart. In use, the person 4 is positioned between the two lengths of the non-stretchable material 16.

The two lengths of the non-stretchable material 16 slideably extend transversely over the bar 10. Each of the two lengths of non-stretchable material 16 has one of the length-adjusting means 20 for enabling the adjustment of the length of the non-stretchable material 16.

The bar 10 includes first and second position-securing means 30, 32 respectively. The two lengths of the non-stretchable material 16 pass one through each of the first and second position-securing means 30, 32. The first and second position-securing means 30, 32 are loop formations which are connected to the bar 10.

The bar 12 may be a solid rod of circular cross section, or it may be a hollow tube of circular cross section. A hollow tube may be preferred in cases where it is desired to keep the weight of the apparatus 2 to a minimum.

The various component parts of the apparatus 2 may be made from any suitable and appropriate materials. Thus, for example, the lengths of stretchable material 4 may typically be made of a rubber material. The lengths of the non-stretchable material 16 may typically be a webbing material. The platform 8 may be made of wood, a plastics material or a metal. The bar 10 may be made of a metal. The first connecting means 18 will typically be made of a metal.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the platform 8 and shows how the platform 8 is provided with two sets of three apertures 34. The apertures 34 in use are opposite pairs of first and second apertures 34. FIG. 5 is an underneath view of the platform 8 and shows the apertures 34. The length of stretchable material 14 is shown passing underneath the platform 8 and through the central aperture 34 in the two sets of apertures 34. FIG. 6 is a side view of the platform 4 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It will be seen from the side view that the platform 8 is formed of a top portion 36 and spaced apart bottom portions 38, 40. The spacing of the bottom portions 38, 40 creates a space 42 in which the length of stretchable material 14 can run. In FIG. 6, the length of stretchable material 14 has not been shown.

In use the first and second position-securing means 30, 32 respectively secure the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material 16 to the bar such that from a front view, the first position-securing means 30 is vertically above the first aperture in the platform 8, whereby the first length of non-stretchable material 16 and the first end portion of the length of stretchable material 14 extend in a straight vertical line between the first aperture in the platform 8 and the first position-securing means 30. Also in use the second position-securing means 32 is vertically above the second aperture in the platform 8, whereby the second length of the non-stretchable material 16 and the second end portion of the length of stretchable material 14 extend in a straight vertical line between the second aperture in the platform 8 and the second position-securing means 32.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 5 and 6, the length of stretchable material 14 passes over roller formations 44 on either side of the platform 8. The roller formations 4 facilitate movement of the length of stretchable material 14 relative to the platform 8.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show that there are three of the apertures 34 in each set. More or less than three of the apertures 34 can be provided. The apertures 34 can be of varying shapes. Each aperture 34 may receive one, two or more lengths of the stretchable material 14. Also, lengths of the stretchable material 14 in different ones of the apertures 34 can be used together. Generally, increasing the number of lengths of stretchable material 14 that are used will increase resistance and will require more effort from the person 4 when performing an exercise.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a top view of the platform 8 but with apertures 46 which are of a different shape to the apertures 34. More specifically, the apertures 34 are closed apertures through which the lengths of stretchable material 14 are threaded. The apertures 46 are open apertures with entrance slots 47 for receiving the lengths of stretchable material 14, and this facilitates the sideways locating of the lengths of stretchable material 14 in their apertures 46.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the platform 8 but with apertures 48 which are of a different shape to the apertures 34 and the apertures 46. The apertures 48 are in the form of open slots for receiving longitudinal edges of the length of flexible material 14 in the same manner as the entrance slots 47 of the apertures 46. The use of entrance formations may facilitate the location of relatively thick lengths of stretchable material 14 in the apertures 46, 48.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show the bar 10 with the first and second position-securing means 30, 32. The position-securing means 30, 32 are shown as being open rectangular formations which extend from a top part of the bar 10 when the apparatus is in use. The position-securing 30, 32 have ends 63 which are able to be inserted into apertures (not shown) in the bar 10. The apertures may be drilled or otherwise provided in the bar 10.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the first and second position-securing means 30, 32 may be replaced by other position-securing formations including position-securing formations which extend from the periphery of the bar 10, and position-securing formations in the form of recesses which extend into the bar 10. The position-securing means, for example the first and second position-securing means 30, 32, may advantageously help to keep the lengths of non-stretchable material 16 and their attached lengths of stretchable material 14 in line and correctly positioned with respect to the platform 8. The position-securing means 30, 32 may also advantageously act to stop the lengths of non-stretchable material 16 from sliding off the ends of the bar 10.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show the length of non-stretchable material 16. FIG. 12 shows the length of non-stretchable material 16 in a rolled non-use position. FIG. 13 shows the length of non-stretchable material in a use position, and with one end portion 64 passing through the length adjusting means 20. FIG. 13 also shows the length of non-stretchable material 16 being provided with a ring connector 66 which forms part of the first connecting means 18. FIG. 14 shows the ring connector 66.

FIG. 15-18 are various view of a preferred length-adjusting means 20. It will be seen that the length-adjusting means 20 is of a general lever and cam operated construction of the type employed in seat belts for aircraft. Thus the length-adjusting means 20 comprises a body 70 and a lever 72. The lever 72 pivots about a pivot 74 relative to the body. The lever 72 comprises a cam portion 76 which operates against a formation 78 to lock the length of stretchable material 16 in position.

FIG. 19 shows the length of stretchable material 14 as used in the apparatus 2. The length of stretchable material 14 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 as being provided with first connecting means 18 at each of its end portions 22, 24. The first connecting means 18 is a clip connecting means. The clip connecting means 18 is a quick-release clip connecting means 18 having a body 80 and an openable portion 82. The openable portion 82 is biased to the closed position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, other types of first connecting means 18 may be employed. Other types of lengths of stretchable material 14 and non-stretchable material 16 may also be employed. The apparatus 2 is shown with the person 4 forming a back squat. The person 4 may alternatively perform a leg exercise in the form of a front squat by placing the bar 10 across the upper part of their chest. The person 4 may alternatively perform a leg exercise in the form of a calf exercise by standing in the position shown in FIG. 2 and then repeatedly raising on their toes and then lowering back down again. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination. 

1. Apparatus for exercising a person's legs, which apparatus comprises: (i) a platform on which the person stands in use of the apparatus; (ii) a bar for extending across the person's upper body such that the person is able to exercise their legs by performing a leg exercise; (iii) at least one length of stretchable material which in use extends upwardly from the platform; (iv) first and second lengths of non-stretchable material which in use extend downwardly from the bar; (v) first connecting means for connecting the length of stretchable material to the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material; and (vi) first and second length-adjusting means for respectively adjusting the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material such that the length of stretchable material gives a desired resistance when the person is performing the leg exercise and is moving from a first position to a second position, with the second position being higher than the first position, and wherein: (vii) the length of stretchable material has first and second end portions and a central portion between the first and second end portions; (viii) the platform comprises at least one first aperture for the first end portion of the length of stretchable material, and at least one second aperture for the second end portion of the length of stretchable material; (ix) there is a first roller formation which is on an underside of the platform and which is adjacent the first aperture for facilitating movement of the length of stretchable material relative to the platform; (x) there is a second roller formation which is on the underside of the platform and which is adjacent the second aperture for facilitating movement of the length of stretchable material relative to the platform; (xi) in use the central portion of the length of stretchable material passes underneath the platform, the first and second end portions of the length of stretchable material respectively extend upwardly through the first and second apertures in the platform and away from the platform, and the person is positioned over the central portion and between the first and second end portions of the length of stretchable material; (xii) the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material are spaced apart such that in use the person is positioned between the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material; (xiii) the bar comprises first position-securing means for the first length of non-stretchable material; (xiv) the bar comprises second position-securing means for the second length of non-stretchable material; and (xv) in use the first and second position-securing means respectively secure the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material to the bar such that from a front view: (a) the first position-securing means is vertically above the first aperture in the platform, whereby the first length of non-stretchable material and the first end portion of the length of stretchable material extend in a straight vertical line between the first aperture in the platform and the first position-securing means; and (b) the second position-securing means is vertically above the second aperture in the platform, whereby the second length of the non-stretchable material and the second end portion of the length of stretchable material extend in a straight vertical line between the second aperture in the platform and the second position-securing means.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first and second position-securing means are loop formations which are connected to the bar, and in which the first and second lengths of non-stretchable material are configured to pass respectively through the first and second position-securing means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which there is a plurality of the lengths of stretchable material, in which there is a plurality of the first apertures in the platform, in which there is a plurality of the second apertures in the platform, and in which there is at least one of the lengths of stretchable material for extending through opposite pairs of the first and second apertures in the platform.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which there are three of the first apertures in the platform, and three of the second apertures in the platform.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the bar is a solid bar of circular cross section, or a hollow tube of circular cross section.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first connecting means comprises a clip connecting means.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the clip connecting means is a quick release clip connecting means having an openable portion which is biased to a closed position.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which the length of the stretchable material has the clip connecting means, and in which the length of the non-stretchable material has ring members which receive the clip connecting means.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first and second length-adjusting means are clamp devices through which the first and second lengths of the non-stretchable material pass.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first and second lengths of the non-stretchable material are straps.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the length of the stretchable material is a length of an elastic material.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the platform, the bar, the length of the stretchable material, and the first and second lengths of the non-stretchable material are separable from each other. 